4242 - HIV, HBV and HCV screening practices in oncology: a cross-sectional interregional survey

Background

HIV screening is recommended at time of cancer diagnosis. Moreover, HBV screening, is recommended during immunotherapy due to its risk of reactivation. Furthermore, HCV screening, before using immunotherapy is justified by the prevalence of dysimmune disorders during HCV infection. The main objective of this survey was to evaluate screening practices for HIV, HBV and HCV in cancer patients.

Methods

A cross-sectional study carried- out across 16 French regions between 25/10/2018 and 31/12/2018, evaluating performance of HIV, HBV and HCV systematic screening at time of cancer diagnosis and/or before immunotherapy. An electronic questionnaire was sent to participants in multidisciplinary concertation meetings.

Results

The responses of 290 participants (including 101 surgeons, 61 organ specialists, 50 oncologists, 30 radiotherapists, 21 hematologists and 13 general practitioners) were analyzed. Of the 16 regions targeted, 8 of them are represented by 160 participants (55%). A systematic screening for HIV, HBV and HCV at time of cancer diagnosis was reported by 59 (20%), 66 (23%) and 63 (22%) respondents, respectively. A screening on a case by case for HIV, HBV and HCV was reported by 113, 103 and 102 respondents, respectively while 117 respondents stated to never prescribe HIV testing (40%), 121, HBV testing (42%) and 125 HCV testing (43%). Before immunotherapy, 122 respondents stated that they were not concerned and 89 routinely screened for HIV (31%), 97 for HBV (33%) and 94 for HCV (32%). A screening on a case by case for HIV, HBV, and HCV was reported by 38, 36 and 34 respondents, respectively while 40 respondents stated to never prescribe HIV testing (14%), 34, HBV testing (12%) and 39, HCV testing (13%).

Conclusions

This survey highlights the insufficiency of HIV, HBV and HCV systematic screening at time of cancer diagnosis and/or before immunotherapy. There is a need to raise awareness about the importance of systematic screening in health care providers.

Clinical trial identification

Editorial acknowledgement

Legal entity responsible for the study

The authors.

Funding

Has not received any funding.

Disclosure

All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.